Táng Guóshǐ Bǔ 唐國史補
Supplement to the Tang Reign Histories by 李肇
About the work
A three-juàn bǐjì 筆記, compiled by 李肇 Lǐ Zhào (fl. 806–820 CE; CBDB id 93106) during the Changqing 長慶 era (821–824) or shortly thereafter. The work covers events from the early Kaiyuan period (713 CE) through the Changqing era, explicitly positioning itself as a sequel to 劉餗’s Suí-Táng jiāhuà KR4k0012. The preface states the author’s editorial principles: exclude supernatural retribution, ghosts, divination, and bedroom matters; include factual records, principled observations, resolution of doubts, cautionary examples, regional customs, and material fit for polite conversation. The Guóshǐ bǔ is one of the most substantial and methodologically self-aware Tang bǐjì collections. Also known as Táng guóshǐ bǔ (with the dynasty’s name prefixed).
Tiyao
No tiyao found in source.
Abstract
李肇 Lǐ Zhào (fl. 806–820; CBDB id 93106) served as a compiler in the imperial History Office (shǐguǎn 史館) until he was demoted for drunkenness — a biographical detail he records in the preface to the Guóshǐ bǔ itself. His stated aim was to supplement Liú Sù’s earlier compilation by extending coverage from Kaiyuan forward, and to do so with greater selectivity and editorial discipline than his predecessors. Wilkinson (Chinese History: A New Manual, §49833) briefly describes the work: “comments on events from the early 8th to early 9th century. Quotes from Tang writers; remarks on specialties from different regions, etc.”
The Guóshǐ bǔ’s editorial principles make it distinctive among Tang bǐjì: Lǐ Zhào explicitly excluded ghost stories and bedroom affairs, aiming for a quasi-historical register of factual anecdotes. The work covers court affairs, official careers, literary and intellectual life, regional products, and social customs. It is a primary source for cultural history of the High and Middle Tang and is quoted by later běncǎo 本草 (pharmacological) and encyclopedic works for its regional product descriptions. Sometimes cited in abbreviated form as Guóshǐ bǔ 國史補.
Translations and research
- 唐國史補 punctuated ed. Shànghǎi Gǔdiǎn Wénxué chubanshe, 1957. Standard edition (printed with Yīnhuà lù 因話錄).
- Wilkinson, Chinese History: A New Manual, §49833.
- Included in Táng Wǔdài bǐjì xiǎoshuō dàguān. Shanghai Guji, 2000.
Links
- Wikidata: no dedicated entry located